I have an '00 1200 that I lowered as far in the rear as I could for my wife. I put the progressive 11" shocks on and she started complaining that the bike was heavy and hard to handle. I just figured out that I need to lower the front to keep the geometry correct and that was why she was feeling the bike handle funny. My question is: How far do I have to slide the front forks up to keep the ride correct? Thanks, all

 

If you're stock rear shocks were for example 13" and you went to the 11", then you would have to lower the front approx. 2" also by either buying the lowering kit for the front of adjusting the front forks the same amount. Hope this helps.

 

Really need to know what the length was of the stock shocks. Also, since the shocks are mounted at an angle, reducing their length by 1 inch for example only produces about 5/8"-3/4" drop as measered at the rear axle.

 

As said above. Your dealing with a swingarm with a circular moment and shocks at an angle. Stock is stock. Sportstes will feel top heavy and need pushing in turns compared to any modern tuned sports bike.
I find the Sportster easier handling than twinkies and jap cruisers.

 

Standard length is 13.5 on this bike. The new shocks are 2.5" shorter making the bike sit roughly 2" lower. So to keep the ride correct I need to drop the front 2" also? I already have the short jiffy stand on the bike and kinda wondered why it was so short. I guess when I lower the front it should be about perfect.